Inspirational Matt receives Young Sailor award 

Sutton SC'S Matt Venables receives West Midlands Young Sailor of Year prize

Sutton’s World Champion sailor, Matt Venables, was presented with the prestigious RYA West Midlands Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011 at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show on Saturday (7 January).

Sutton Sailing Club’s Matt, 15, was amongst 15 2011 RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year winners to receive their awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements of youth sailors across the country. They are voted for by RYA affiliated sailing clubs.

Matt, who started sailing aged eight with his dad at Sutton SC, led from start to finish to claim the Topper World Championship title in Dublin in August. He is now progressing from the one-person Junior dinghy to Youth sailing, recently qualifying for the RYA Volvo National Youth Squad in the 29er two-person high performance dinghy.

The Fairfax School pupil travels the length and breadth of Britain, as well as internationally, training and competing. He also fulfils a great ambassadorial role for Sutton SC.

He said: "I had a fantastic day at the London International Boat Show in the company of some very talented young sailors. I hope we will meet again on the water one day! The hospitality provided by Pantaenius and the RYA was great and the presentation ceremony very enjoyable. Thank you very much for a memorable day out !”

All the RYA Regional Young Sailors of the Year have made a significant impact on youth sailing, ranging from gold medal winning achievements and overcoming adversity, to the huge amount of hard work and effort they give back to their clubs.

Matt and his family were treated to an action-packed VIP day at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, courtesy of Pantaenius Yacht Insurance.